"This is true. More than 80 percent of fibromyalgia cases are diagnosed in women."

2.What body parts does fibromyalgia affect?

Muscles

Joints

Tendons

All of the above

"All of the above. Fibromyalgia is a common, chronic, generalized pain syndrome that affects your muscles, joints and tendons."

3.True or false: Fibromyalgia is a progressive disease that, if left untreated, can ultimately kill you.

TRUE

FALSE

"This is false. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that can last a long time -- in some cases, a lifetime. However, it is not a progressive disease. It won't kill you, nor will it cause any damage to your muscles, tendons, bones or organs."

4.Which of these is a symptom of fibromyalgia?

Aching pain

Burning pain

Stiffness

All of the above

"All of the above. Symptoms of fibromyalgia are aching, radiating, shooting or burning pain and stiffness."

5.Which of these is a common complaint experienced by people with fibromyalgia?

Fatigue

Chest pain

Poor concentration

All of the above

"All of the above. Although pain and tenderness are fibromyalgia's defining symptoms, patients may also complain of fatigue, sleep disturbance, non-cardiac chest pain, depression and poor concentration (sometimes called fibro fog)."

6.Which of these conditions is often confused with fibromyalgia?

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Lupus

Hypothyroidism

All of the above

"All of the above. Fibromyalgia can mimic other medical conditions, including low thyroid levels (hypothyroidism), chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus and polymyalgia rheumatica. However, tests will be able to rule out these conditions."

7.To diagnose fibromyalgia, doctors ask about pain in different areas of the body. How many areas are included?

"All of the above. The 19 pain areas used to diagnose fibromyalgia are scattered all over the body. These pain spots are found on the neck, abdomen, arms, chest, back, jaw and other areas."

9.True or false: A healthcare provider will use X-rays to diagnose fibromyalgia.

TRUE

FALSE

"This is false. No lab test or X-ray can diagnose fibromyalgia. It involves a diagnosis of exclusion --meaning all other possible diseases must first be ruled out before your doctor can determine that you have fibromyalgia."

10.What age group is most often diagnosed with fibromyalgia?

Children

Teenagers

Middle-aged adults

Elderly

"Fibromyalgia most commonly occurs in young to middle-aged adults. However, fibromyalgia can affect anyone regardless of age or sex."

11.On average, how long does it take a person with fibromyalgia to be diagnosed?

6 months

1 year

3 years

7 years

"On average, patients with fibromyalgia usually have to pursue a definitive diagnosis for up to seven years. Diagnosis depends greatly on patients' explanations of their symptoms as well as their doctor's training."

12.True or false: The only treatment for fibromyalgia is medication.

TRUE

FALSE

"This is false. Medicine is not the only treatment for fibromyalgia. Usually a multi-pronged approach is recommended, including medications, sleep aids, psychological counseling, exercise and sometimes, alternative treatments."

13.Which of these sensitivities are people with fibromyalgia more likely to experience?

Sound

Light

Odor

All of the above

"All of the above. In addition to pain and discomfort, people with fibromyalgia may also find that they are extremely sensitive to loud sounds, bright lights, odors and other sensory stimuli. Some of the prescription medications approved to treat fibromyalgia may ease sensory overload."

14.True or false: Physical trauma can trigger fibromyalgia.

TRUE

FALSE

"This is true. Physical trauma, such as a car or motorcycle crash, can trigger fibromyalgia. As many as a quarter of people with fibromyalgia report that they were involved in an accident right before their symptoms began."

15.Which of these is a proven way to prevent fibro?

Taking NSAIDs every day

Eating fish twice a week

Avoiding strenuous exercise

None of the above

"None of the above. In many cases, fibromyalgia triggers -- such as physical trauma brought on by a car accident, or arthritis -- cannnot be prevented. However, some experts think lifestyle factors also may contribute to fibromyalgia, in which case maintaining a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep and practicing stress-relief exercises may help you avoid fibromyalgia."

16.What type of doctor specializes in the care and treatment of fibromyalgia?

Oncologist

Proctologist

Rheumatologist

All of the above

"A rheumatologist is an internist who treats fibromyalgia, as well as other diseases of the joints and soft tissues, including arthritis, autoimmune diseases, pain disorders, back pain, disc disease and osteoporosis. Neurologists and pain specialists can also diagnose and treat fibromyalgia."

17.What is the best way to avoid flare-ups of fibromyalgia?

Avoid stress

Avoid cold temperatures

Avoid exercising too hard

All of the above

"All of the above. Fibromyalgia has many potential triggers, and no two people have the same exact ones. Possible triggers include: cold weather and drafty environments, hormonal fluctuations, psychological stress and exercising too hard."

18.True or false: Keeping a journal of symptoms may help your doctor diagnose your fibromyalgia more quickly.

TRUE

FALSE

"This is true. To help your doctor diagnose your fibromyalgia quickly and efficiently, it's a good idea to keep track of all of your symptoms. Note any changes in your symptoms, the time of day and what you were doing just prior to the symptoms returning. This journal may help your doctor arrive at a conclusion more quickly."

19.True or false: It's never a good idea to ask for a second opinion when you've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia because you further delay any treatments.

TRUE

FALSE

"This is false. You have the right as a patient to seek a second opinion at any time if you are not getting the help you need. If you've been previously diagnosed by a general practitioner, you may feel more comfortable with a diagnosis from a medical professional who specializes in fibromyalgia treatment, such as a rheumatologist or neurologist."

20.True or false: Sex may make symptoms of fibromyalgia worse.

TRUE

FALSE

"This is false. Over time, sex should actually improve your fibromyalgia symptoms by reducing stress and providing low-impact exercise."

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition which has no cure. Development of a self-management plan, which may include medications and exercises, can help you reduce the occurrence of symptoms and flares that are associated with fibromyalgia. Learn more from our experts about fibromyalgia.